Security advice

Stringent security measures are in place at all UK airports, but there are some things you can do to make your journey through security easier. We've pulled together a comprehensive guide for what you can and can't take through security, as well as guidance around specific items such as baby milk, medicines and electrical items.

General advice

We have split out our advice into different sections to help you find the information you need.

Hand baggage rules: Gives you general guidance on travelling with hand baggage through security

Hold baggage guidance: Tells you what should be packed into the bags that you check-in to the aircraft hold and not in your hand luggage

Prohibited items: Lists items not allowed in either your hand or hold luggage

Guidance for specific items: Lists the most common items taken through security eg baby milk, medication, cosmetics, liquids and gives you advice on where the items should be packed and any rules that apply

Special assistance: Advice if you need special assistance or have particular needs

Hand baggage is the term we use for the bags you carry through security and keep with you for your whole journey. Our general advice is to carry the very minimum of hand baggage. We also advise you to arrive early at the airport and allow plenty of time for security screening. The rules for hand baggage can be summarised as follows:

You are allowed just one piece of hand luggage (with some exceptions) and this must not exceed 56cm x 45cm x 25cm. Most airlines do also allow passengers to carry a handbag too, but please check with your airline to make sure

Your hand luggage must not contain any prohibited items and these are listed below in the 'prohibited items' section

You may only carry small amounts of liquids, gels, creams and pastes. These must be in containers of 100ml or less and should be placed in a 1 litre transparent re-sealable bag (maximum size: 20cm x 20cm) which will be screened separately at security. you must make sure that all of the above items follow our guidelines in the section for 'guidance for specific items' below.

Please remember all liquids must be in containers marked 100ml or less, if your container is over 100ml it will be discarded by security regardless of how much liquid is inside the container.

Hold luggage is the term we use for the bags you check in and are stored in the hold of the plane. We advise you to put all you can in your hold baggage. You’ll have less to carry through the terminal and getting through security will be much quicker and easier. There are several items that you are allowed to carry in hold luggage that you are not allowed to carry on-board with you in your hand luggage. Items that you can have in your hold baggage but not in your hand baggage include:

Liquids, creams, gels and pastes in containers over 100ml

Sharp items including scissors

Razor blades (razors that have the blade set into a plastic moulding are allowed in hand baggage, but other types are not)

Knives with blades of any length

Hypodermic needles (unless required for medical reasons, for which proof will be required)

Tools (including multi-tools and penknives)

Catapults

Walking/hiking poles

Sporting bats

Darts

Billiard, snooker or pool cues.

You should also bear in mind the weight of your bags and check weight allowances on your ticket or with your airline.

There are some items that you’re not allowed to take on your aircraft in either your hand baggage or your hold luggage. This is not an exhaustive list and we recommend you check with your airline if in doubt:

Security is really important in air travel and making sure passengers only bring appropriate items on board is one of our biggest responsibilities. Below you can find specific information on different items to help you understand how much to bring and where to pack them.

Baby food and products

All baby food and liquid are allowed to be carried in your hold luggage with no restrictions. If your child is two or under you are allowed to carry some items in your hand baggage that are an exception to our usual hand baggage rules. These include:

Baby milk and sterilised water – you can what is needed for your trip and they can be over 100ml. These will be subject to additional screening by security. Any milk that is not specifically designed for the child or water that has not been sterilised cannot be allowed through security and will be disposed of. There are water fountains and restaurants/food places where you can get these in the departure lounge after you have been through security.

Expressed breast milk - expressed breast milk can be taken in unlimited quantities, as long as it's in individual containers that are no larger than two litres per container. The milk cannot be frozen, but cooling gel packs or ice packs can be used to keep it cool. You can carry expressed breast milk even if your child isn't flying with you.

Baby food in liquid, gel or paste form – you can also carry as much of these as is required for your trip and they can also be over 100ml. They will be subject to additional screening. These also have to be designed specifically for the child.

If your baby has a medical condition or dietary requirement which means they need other liquid forms on your journey which are over 100ml you must bring a doctors letter or prescription to authenticate this if you are carrying them in your hand baggage.

When bringing pushchairs, prams or buggies, you’ll need to lift your child out during X-ray checks. You can take infants’ car seats on to the plane.

Liquids, cosmetics and toiletries

You can carry all cosmetics and toiletries in your hold luggage. We recommend packing all toiletries in your hold luggage where possible. You can bring both solid and liquid cosmetics and toiletries in your hand baggage but they must adhere to some security rules.

Any items considered as ‘liquids’ by security must be in containers marked 100ml or less and must also be placed into a transparent, resealable, airtight bag of approx. 20cm x 20cm in size. One of these bags is permitted per person and these are supplied at security. Contents must fit completely inside the bag so it can be sealed. Some liquids are also measured in grams i.e. toothpaste, jams, preserves, hair gels, and liquid makeup. In regards to airport security 100ml = 100g and anything considered liquid must be equal or less than 100ml or 100g.

Solid deodorants, lipsticks, brushes, combs and toothbrushes are allowed on board. Disposable contact lenses (in sealed packaging) are also allowed, as are non-disposable lenses with a small amount of solution (less than 100ml container limit applies and must be in your liquid bag). Only razors where the blade is fully and permanently enclosed and razor cartridges are allowed in hand baggage.

The following items are some of those that are considered as liquid and must be placed inside your resealable bag:

hairspray and other aerosol items

creams and lotions

roll-on deodorants

sun-tanning/sun cream products

lip gloss

liquid soap

toothpaste

mascara

contact lens solution

foam

nail varnish

jams/preserves/spreads/syrups/pickles/humous

ice (or any solids which can melt over short periods of time)

Please remember all liquids must be in containers marked 100ml or less, if your container is over 100ml it will be discarded by security regardless of how much liquid is inside the container.

Drinks

These are allowed in your hold luggage. You’re welcome to take drinks in cans, bottles, plastic containers and cartons, but these can’t be over 100ml. They also need to be placed in the same bag as your other liquids. Remember, once through security you can buy drinks in the departure area to take on to the plane. Drinks that are open or that you are consuming prior to the Security checkpoint cannot be carried through and must be fully consumed or discarded. . An exception to this rule is milk or sterilised water for babies, please see ‘baby food and products’ for more information on this.

Electrical items

At our security checkpoints you may be asked to remove MP3 and CD players, portable DVD players and laptops from your baggage to be screened separately. Digital cameras and mobile phones can stay in your hand baggage or jacket to be X-rayed. You can also bring gas hair tongs, but remember you cannot carry any spare gas refills in either your hold or hand baggage.

Medication, medical conditions and equipment

Medicines over 100ml, supported by a doctor's note or prescription, are allowed through security. There’s no limit for powder or pills.

All medicines are subject to additional security screening and must be kept in a transparent, re-sealable bag.

Insulin, EpiPens, hypodermic needles and medicines must be supported by a medical certification letter, as must children’s medicine.

Please check with your airline about your requirements before travelling, but be reassured that if you have a genuine medical condition (supported by a letter from your GP or hospital) then there should be no problem with taking such items on board the plane. You may carry medicines that need to be kept cold in a cool bag and include one ice pack in the bag, as long as your doctor's letter states that the medication needs to be kept cool.

We use a variety of different security technologies which have been assessed by government health regulators as completely safe for anyone with medical implants. However, if you have concerns then please speak to a member of our security staff and ensure you can support this with a signed letter from your medical practitioner.

Remember, non-prescription medicines for children and adults can be purchased after you’ve gone through security.

If you have a pace maker or any other medical device that may be affected by walking through an archway metal detector, please advise our security officers prior to going through security. Make sure you have your medical card to state that you are wearing a sensitive medical device.

If you have a hip/joint replacement or any metal implants in your body, they are likely to set off the metal detector. If this happens, you will need to be searched by one of our security guards. There is no need to bring any proof of metal implants with you but letting our security guards know may be helpful.

Photographic equipment

It is perfectly safe to carry your photographic equipment through security. Our x-ray machines won’t harm your film or camera. The British Photographers' Liaison Committee (BPLC), has fully approved our hand luggage x-ray inspection systems as safe for all normal film types (up to and including ISO 400) as well as for digital storage media.

Specialist film (ISO 800 and above) can sometimes be affected – but the effects are barely noticeable to the naked eye and do not become clearly visible until film is exposed around 32 times. We are able to make special arrangements for photographers carrying professional film (ISO 800 and above). Please contact us or your airline before travel.

Smoking materials

Cigarettes and other tobacco products are all allowed in hand baggage.

You can carry one lighter only on board the aircraft, which must be kept on your person throughout the flight. You will be asked to leave any additional lighters at the security point, so please make sure you only carry one on your trip.

Both lighters and e-cigarettes must be included within the liquid allowance and placed inside the one litre plastic bag for screening. Once the one litre bag has been screened, the lighter/e-cigarette must be removed from the plastic bag and carried on your person.

Please note the e-cigarettes are banned completely from hold luggage.

Matches and lighters are not allowed in hand or checked in baggage. You may take a single butane lighter or a box of safety matches on board the aircraft but only if carried on your person. Zippo lighters are also allowed as your one lighter.

Smoking of cigarettes and e-cigarettes is not permitted inside the terminal building.

Writing materials

Miscellaneous

Books, puzzles, games and stickers may be taken on board.

Hat boxes, sports equipment and wedding dresses all constitute an item of hand baggage. However, these must fit within the baggage size and weight restrictions. Please check with your airline if in doubt.

Some airlines only allow hoverboards in the hold. We advise you to check directly with your airline if you plan to travel with one.

You can bring musical instruments in addition to your hand baggage allowance.

In this section you can find advice about travelling with medication and medical equipment or if you have a medical condition.

Carrying medication

Medicines over 100ml, supported by a doctor's note or prescription, are allowed through security. There’s no limit for powder or pills.

All medicines are subject to additional security screening and must be kept in a transparent, re-sealable bag.

Insulin, EpiPens, hypodermic needles and medicines must be supported by a medical certification letter, as must children’s medicine. Please check with your airline if you have special requirements before travelling, but be reassured that if you have a genuine medical condition (supported by a letter from your GP or hospital) then there should be no problem with taking such items on board the plane.

You may carry medicines that need to be kept cold in a cool bag and include one ice pack in the bag, as long as your doctor's letter states that the medication needs to be kept cool.

Remember, non-prescription medicines for children and adults can be purchased at Boots in the departure lounge.

Advice for medical conditions

We use a variety of different security technologies which have been assessed by government health regulators as completely safe for anyone with medical implants. If you have concerns, however, please speak to a member of our security staff.

We recommend that you carry a signed letter about your condition from your GP or medical practitioner.

Pace makers and metal implants

If you have a pace maker or any other medical device that may be affected by walking through an archway metal detector, please advise our security officers prior to going through security. Make sure you have your medical card to state that you are wearing a sensitive medical device.

If you have a hip/joint replacement or any metal implants in your body, they are likely to set off the metal detector. If this happens, you will need to be searched by one of our security guards. There is no need to bring any proof of metal implants with you but letting our security guards know may be helpful.

Medical equipment

If you have specific medical equipment that can’t be x-rayed, advise our security staff, who will be happy to carry out an alternative security check.

All passengers travelling from an airport have to go through security checks and no one is exempt from this. However, we do recognise that our passengers are individuals with different needs and some need to be treated with more sensitivity.

Family and assistance lanes

If you would like to be assisted through security then please go to the special assistance welcome desk in the check-in area. A member of the special assistance team will accompany you through the family and assistance security lane. If you’d prefer to take this part of the journey without assistance, then you’re also welcome to use this dedicated security lane. There is a member of staff outside the family and assistance lane who will be able to advice you on the best route through security.

The family and assistance lane has a wider gate for wheelchairs and buggies and staff working in this area are specially trained to take extra care with passengers who have additional needs.

Medication and medical conditions

If you have specific medical equipment that can’t be x-rayed, advise our security staff, who will be happy to carry out an alternative security check. Please note that some things, such as ice packs can only be brought through security with appropriate documentation (see guidance for specific items).

Inhalers are allowed in hand baggage, but you must pack spare canisters in your hold baggage. If you have a pace maker or any other medical device that may be affected by walking through an archway metal detector, please advise our security staff before going through security. Make sure you have your medical card to state that you are wearing a sensitive medical device.

If you have a hip or joint replacement or any metal implants in your body, they’re likely to set off the metal detector. If this happens, you’ll need to be searched by one of our security staff. There is no need to bring any proof of metal implants with you but it is helpful to advise our security staff before they carry out the search.

Security search

Body scanners are safe for all of our passengers. If you’re selected to use a body scanner please be re-assured that it is safe for medical implants such as pacemakers, as well as other medical conditions. You do, however, have the right to decline this and request a private manual search instead. This will be carried out in a private area with a witness and you can also bring a witness of your own.

If you have a wheelchair, or other medical equipment which can’t pass through the x-ray, this will be swabbed by security staff. This is standard procedure for items which can’t be x-rayed, and is nothing to worry about.

Get more tips about getting through security smoothly and other information on what is and is not allowed in your hand baggage on this page.

Hidden disabilities

If you or passengers you are travelling with have a disability that may not be obvious, then you can request a hidden disability lanyard from our special assistance desk in the check-in area. Staff in the airport are specially trained to recognise that anyone wearing one of these lanyards may need specific help or consideration. Find out more information about travelling with a hidden disability.

Gatwick welcomes passengers and staff regardless of age, ethnicity, colour, religion or gender. All our staff and passengers have the right to be treated with dignity and professionalism regardless of the gender they identify with.

Everyone travelling from the airport needs to follow the same security procedures and processes. For more information about what you can and can't carry through security see our security advice page.

Check-in: All passengers must also provide proof of identity when they check in for their flight (usually your passport). The date of birth, gender and name of the passenger on the reservation must match that on your passport or government issued photographic ID. If you have different names and genders on different documents, you may choose which one to use, provided that it satisfies the airline’s ID requirements and matches the name you used on the airline reservation. It does not matter if your current gender presentation matches that given on your documentation or that of your photograph.

Security: If you are required to be hand searched at security, you may select the gender of the officer which you feel most comfortable with to perform the search. You should also be aware that at any point in the process, you may ask to have a private search. If you do so, you will be taken to a private area, out of view of the travelling public and other members of staff. You will then undergo a full body search both by hand and by use of a hand-held metal detector. The officer conducting the search will be accompanied by a second officer of the same sex who will act as a witness, and you may also take a witness with you (of any sex).

Some items underneath clothing such as prosthetics, binding etc. may show as an anomaly on the scan and highlighted to the security officer as previously described. Although we understand that it may be personally uncomfortable to do so, the best way of dealing with the situation is to clearly and calmly explain to the officer what the item is. You should never be asked to remove or raise any items of clothing to reveal the item to them, nor should you be asked to remove it in a public place. However you may be requested to be taken for a private search if the officer is not happy with the outcome of the search.

Wigs and hairpieces are usually not subject to additional checks, unless particularly out-of-the-ordinary. In the event that it is significantly large, the officer may wish to satisfy him or herself that there is nothing concealed within, by use of a visual or hand search and possible use of a hand-held metal detector.

If you would like to feedback on your experience, please complete this form.